5pm: From Fraser Nelson at Coffee House:
"Only this morning, Andrew MacKay said that he would stand for election
again - but after a conversation with David Cameron he has now decided
to stand down at the next election. The open meeting he held had
several calls for him to go, and there was talk of a petition. The
grassroots momentum was significant. This, make no mistake, is a
personal loss to David Cameron who relied on MacKay to be his eyes and
ears in the backbenches."

5.20pm: Statement from Andrew MacKay: ""Following a conversation with David Cameron this morning I have decided to step down as candidate for Bracknell at the next general election. I believe I could be a distraction at a time when he is working to get elected as prime minister with the good working majority necessary to take the tough decisions to turn this country around. I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation. I would never forgive myself if my candidature distracted voters from the key issues and particularly David's rousing call for change. It has been both a privilege and huge fun to represent the people of Bracknell for 26 years. I understand why people are angry. I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation." (FROM BBC).

5pm: From Fraser Nelson at Coffee House:
"Only this morning, Andrew MacKay said that he would stand for election
again - but after a conversation with David Cameron he has now decided
to stand down at the next election. The open meeting he held had
several calls for him to go, and there was talk of a petition. The
grassroots momentum was significant. This, make no mistake, is a
personal loss to David Cameron who relied on MacKay to be his eyes and
ears in the backbenches."

5.20pm: Statement from Andrew MacKay: ""Following a conversation with David Cameron this morning I have decided to step down as candidate for Bracknell at the next general election. I believe I could be a distraction at a time when he is working to get elected as prime minister with the good working majority necessary to take the tough decisions to turn this country around. I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation. I would never forgive myself if my candidature distracted voters from the key issues and particularly David's rousing call for change. It has been both a privilege and huge fun to represent the people of Bracknell for 26 years. I understand why people are angry. I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation." (FROM BBC).